About

The Where, Why, & How
Meet the Owner
Your Guide, John Holmes
John has been passionate about motorcycles since the age of three, spending 12 years racing motocross and Hare Scrambles. As an adult, he transitioned to road riding and rediscovered his love for adventure after moving to Western North Carolina. Having traveled across the country, he believes this region offers some of the best roads and scenery, inspiring him to share the experience with others.

He founded BackCountry Adventure Tours to support solo riders, offering companionship and peace of mind on remote rides. John ensures riders can explore without worrying about getting lost or dealing with breakdowns alone. As a guide, he takes pride in leading tours where GPS fails, allowing riders to enjoy the journey stress-free. He values strong communication, safety, and assessing skill levels to create the best experience.

Outside of guiding, John enjoys customizing motorcycles, attending rallies, boating, and relaxing. He connects with riders personally during trips and wraps up each tour with a group discussion. Though BackCountry Adventure Tours is just beginning, John is excited to create unforgettable experiences and future adventures.
BackCountry Adventure Tours exceeded all my expectations! As someone who’s ridden for years, I was impressed by how well-organized and thoughtfully planned the entire experience was. Our guide had a deep knowledge of the area, ensuring we hit all the best scenic stops along the Cherohala Skyway. The pace was perfect, catering to all skill levels, and I never once had to worry about getting lost. If you want a stress-free, well-guided ride through some of the most beautiful roads in the country, this is the way to do it!"

Mark R.

oUR aDVENTURE tOURS

Off-Road Adventure Tours
Blackstop Scenic Tours
Private Tours & Custom Rides
Visit Snowbird Mountains & Ride the Gravel Dragon
A 15 minute ride to Seven Springs Gap will bring us to an off-road adventure through the Snowbird Mountains backcountry. We will stop in Andrews for an hour for lunch and fuel and then finish our trip by taking the Gravel Dragon through Tatham Gap to Robbinsville.
  • $40/Person
  • 4-6 hOURS
  • bEGINNER/nOVICE
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Explore Nantahala Forest & Ride the Gravel Dragon
Hwy 74 blacktop ride along Whiteoak Creek with photo stop at the waterfall. Then off-road through Creekside & Tuni Gap in Nantahala National Forest. We will stop for lunch in Hayesville, then visit Fire Creek Falls and finally take the Gravel Dragon to Robbinsville.
  • $50/Person
  • 5-7 Hours
  • bEGINNER/nOVICE
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Ride the Gravel Cherohala Skyway & Cades Cove Loop
Departs from Robbinsville along the Gravel Cherohala Skyway. Stop in Tellico Plains for lunch, then off-road through Indian Boundary. A scenic ride on the Foothills Parkway will take us to Cades Cove, then the Tail of the Dragon, concluding at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort.
  • $60/Person
  • 6-8 Hours
  • Novice/Pro
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WNC Northern Tour
Tour scenic views from Fontana lake to Cherokee, visiting points of interest like the Devil's Whip, Maggie Vallie, Hot Springs, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Lunch in Little Switzerland.
  • $60/Person
  • 7-9 HOurs
  • Novice/Pro
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WNC Southern Tour
Scenic ride along Santeetlah Lake & Cheoah Dam, with stops such as the Tail of the Dragon Souvenir Store & Bridal Veil Falls. Lunch in Highlands, then finish your ride through Nantahala Gorge.
  • $50/Person
  • 6-8 Hours
  • bEGINNER/nOVICE
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GSM National Park Loop
Ride through Stecoah Gap, Fontana Lake, Bryson City, & Cherokee. Visit stops like the GSM Welcome Center in NC for elk viewing and Chilhowee Lake. We will stop for lunch in scenic Gatlinburg.
  • $50/Person
  • 6-8 Hours
  • Beginner/Novice
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WNC/TN Famous Loop
Take the Cherohala Skyway from Robbinsville, stopping for lunch at Iron Works Grill at the Cherohala Harley-Davidson. Visit Chilhowee Lake, then ride The Dragon to Deals Gap Motorcyle Resort.
  • $40/Person
  • 4-6 Hours
  • Beginner/Novice
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Private Tours & Custom Rides
Riders can request a personalized tour based on skill level and route preferences.
  • 2 Tours/Week
  • Variable Hours
  • Custom Skill Level
FULL DAY
HALF DAY
Q.

What Services do you offer?

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BackCountry Adventure Tours provides guided tours for motorcycle enthusiasts. The cost is $40 per person, which must be paid online at the time of booking. Each tour is conducted on a specific date and time as selected during the booking process. You are responsible for arriving at the specified location with your own motorcycle, as we do not provide rental vehicles.
Q.

What Are your Ride Rules?

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1. Must be kind and courteous to all group members
2. All Local & State rules of the road are to be followed at all times
3. In conjunction with turn signal, rider must use standard hand signals in the event rider needs to make a unscheduled stop for any reason
4. No reckless or careless riding anytime while with the group
5. Riders must keep a 1 bike gap minimum not to exceed 3 bike gap between members of the group.
Q.

What are the Age Requirements?

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To book a tour, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are booking on behalf of a minor (under 18 years old), that minor must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian during the tour. By completing a booking for a minor, you confirm that you are the parent or legal guardian and that the minor will be under your supervision for the duration of the tour.
Q.

How much does a Tour Cost?

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All payments for tours must be made online at the time of booking. The price for each tour is $40 per person, and payments are processed securely through our website. All military and public service members receive a 20% discount! Show proof in person before tour at group meeting point.
Q.

Can I get a Refund if I have to Cancel?

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Cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled tour will receive a full refund. If you cancel within 24 hours of the tour or fail to show up, you will receive a 50% refund. To cancel or reschedule, please contact us via phone or email.
Q.

What do I need to Bring?

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You are required to bring your own motorcycle to participate in the tour. All participants, including minors, must wear appropriate safety gear during the tour. By booking a tour, you acknowledge that motorcycling is a potentially dangerous activity, and you assume all risks associated with participation.
*No calls/No shows get 50% back with less than a 24 hour notice. If more than 24 hours notice is given you get a 100% refund. Call or email to give cancellation notice.
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